A breezy good time

Upper right: Owen Clark enjoys his first actual kite-flying experience.

Lower left: Kite Day winners in the 11th annual event, Alexis Aramburo, Alexander Aramburo, KeyLe Rhea, Ransom Lowery. Marlie Henegar, Victoria England, Bonnie Bear, Dillon Hale, Emalee Hale and Emily Northcutt.

Lower right: With her butterfly kite almost as large as her, Keyle Rhea has a fun time at Kite Day with her parents, Tara and Justin Rhea, Hundreds of youngsters gathered at Hickory Creek Elementary for the 11th Kite Day.
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We’ve all heard of the perfect day. We actually experienced a perfect day for kite-flying at the 11th Kite Day held recently at Hickory Creek Elementary. Temperatures were in the sixties, but most importantly, there was wind.

‘Actually everyone that wanted to, got to fly a kite, including me. I have been attending for many years, and this was by far the best for getting them airborne,’ said Standard editor James Clark.

Kites as well as spirits were soaring, as both children and adults enjoyed the family-oriented activity. Many families strive to make Kite Day an outing where everyone attends, especially the family of 81-year-old Gertie Miller. Four generations of her clan took part in the event.

‘I try to come each year, sometimes I have to sit in the car, but this year I am enjoying watching my grandchildren and great-grandchildren fly their kites,’ said Miller.

Several first-time Kite Day attendees took part in the fun, with little Laurna Beth McCormick having a wonderful time with her grandparents Jewel and Larry Walker.

Rae Jean Mart, along with her 5-year-old son Jalyn, and other family members were very enthusiastic about the day. The Warren County newcomers moved here from Orlando, Fla. 21 months earlier, and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

‘It is an absolutely great day,’ said Mart. ‘It’s a great day for the parents, I think they are enjoying it more than the kids.’

Prizes were awarded for kites in three divisions, most unique, prettiest store-bought, and best homemade kite, in three age categories.

Winners include: Alexander Aramburo, Alexis Aramburo and Victoria England, best homemade; KeyLe Rhea, Emily Northcutt and Marlie Henegar, best store-bought; and Ransom Lowery, Dillon Hale and Emalee Hale, most unique kite.

Even though an award was not given for the person traveling the fartherest to attend Kite Day, it could be bestowed on Evelyn Hamblen, as she drove over 600 miles from Virginia Beach. Actually she was in McMinnville visiting her sister Peggy Love, and was invited to Kite Day by her great-niece and nephew, Shelby and Wilson Love.

‘This is great, I never saw anything like this, even on the beach,’ exclaimed Love.

Kite Day is sponsored annually by the Southern Standard, and Dr. Pepper.